Mango masks, massages in Mumbai’s spas

From foot scrubs and body wraps to facials and manicures, city makes most of the seasonal fruit.

Yes, it is summer. And we all know that the mango season has arrived when families begin to tighten household budgets to cater to the rising cost of the fruit that is much in demand every year. But this time around, they aren’t the only ones doing the waiting. Spas across the city too have been gearing up for the king of fruits to make his annual appearance and are looking to dazzle customers with some innovative use of the seasonal fruit.

Sukho Thai, a popular foot spa in the city, has introduced a mango foot scrub. This 15-minute scrub is part of a larger therapy session, but essentially helps remove dead skin as well as moisturise and soothe the feet, further facilitating better absorption of massage oils and improving blood circulation.

Vijeyta Vazkar, director, Sukho Thai dismisses the acne-mango lineup, saying, "Several people are under the impression that mangoes are not good for the skin. They are wrong, as the fruit is a rich source of vitamins A and C. Skin tone improves immediately upon its application." Vazkar adds that they use only fresh mangoes in their secret product that is on offer only during the summer.

Fresh mangoes are also a favourite at Skin Kitchen in Bandra that offers patrons a mango mousse facial. "Mangoes are extraordinarily rich in antioxidants, iron and something about the fructose in the mango gets superbly absorbed by our skin," says founder Diya Demble. This facial is suitable for all skin types, except for the acne prone. "And there is no compromise when it comes to the treatment. Only the hapus variety is used and I go to Dadar market myself to pick them fresh. Then the mangoes are soaked in water, pulped, pureed, cooked and used in our facial." The treatment will be available only till July 1.

Also offering a mango facial and body spa (exfoliation and mask or wrap) is Andheri’s Vanaddict Spa. Using body extracts, the focus of these treatments is on skin rejuvenation. "Mangoes have excellent youth renewal properties," says Samir Mahindrakar, owner of the spa, adding that these treatments are better marketed in the summer, but are available around the year.

And though Antara Spa at DN Nagar, Andheri (W) has now moved on to neem-based treatments from the mango massages that were on offer till a while ago, Rewa Escape at Bhulabhai Desai Road has taken the opportunity to introduce its seasonal special mango manicures and pedicures. Combined with enzyme rich fresh papaya, their delectable hand and foot therapies help get rid of blotchy skin and smoothen and nourish it to protect against sun damage. So get ready to glow.

To book one of these treatments or for more details, call or email:Sukho Thai: 2640 0264 Skin Kitchen: www.skinkitchen.inRewa Escape: 23520580Vanaddict Spa: 4015 8325

Fruit fileIf beauty treatments aren’t up your alley, here’s a handy guide to the varieties of mangoes available throughout the season.Alphonso: With three distinct varieties depending on where they are grown, the Ratnagiri, Devgad and Valsad hapus or alphonso is often the most in demand and available through April and May. Currently, this fruit costs R400 a dozen, but prices are expected to come down as the fruit’s peak season sets in.Pairi: Used to make ‘aam ras’, the pairi will be available in the months of April and May and will cost anywhere from R150 to R300 for a dozen.Badami/Safedi: Not very sweet. This variety is an acquired taste and is available from mid April to May end. It costs R60 to R70 per kg. Rajapuri: One of the larger varieties available, at least size wise, it is used to make ‘aam ras’ once the hype around the pairi dies down. Available from May end to June end. Kesar: The poorer cousin of alphonso (though it has a great flavour), this mango is available from May end to the first week of July. Totapuri: Has a very different flavour and since it’s affordable, it is quite popular. Another thing that works for it is that is big and fleshy, and thus worth the money. It usually costs between R40 and R60 and can be bought between the months of May and June.Malgova: These are rarely available in Mumbai. But if you do get your hands on one, do give it a try. They have softer flesh and have a sweet-sour taste.Neelam: You need to be careful while handling this one. The seeds are known to attract insects. It is available from May end to mid-June. Dasheri: This variety has a sweet taste even in its raw form. You can buy it in the month of June.Chausa: Has one of the best tastes and very good flavour. Available in June. Langda: Not many people like it since it has a green colouring. However, it is quite tasty and is available from June.